We all make mistakes. We all face setbacks. It’s part of being human. However, what truly matters is how we learn from those experiences and, more importantly, how we share those lessons with others. Many people are quick to learn from others’ successes, but what if the real power lies in learning from their mistakes and failures?

We often hear that failure is a stepping stone to success, but it’s easy to forget that the lessons learned from those stumbling blocks can become some of the most valuable tools for growth. By turning our personal experiences—both the wins and the losses—into lessons for others, we give them the opportunity to avoid the same pitfalls, saving them time, energy, and heartache.

This topic has been framed as an interview question for many job seekers. Coaches often say that there is no right or wrong answer. But, what the interviewers are truly looking for is how you turned a bad situation around.

Here’s how to do just that.

1. Be Honest and Vulnerable About Your Mistakes

Sharing your failures isn’t about airing your dirty laundry or seeking sympathy—it’s about showing your humanity. It takes courage to open up about the things that didn’t go as planned. By being transparent and vulnerable, you create an authentic connection with others. They’ll see that failure doesn’t define you; it’s how you respond to it that matters.

When you share a mistake, don’t shy away from the details. Explain what happened, why it happened, and what you learned from it. People will appreciate your honesty and gain a deeper understanding of the situation.

2. Frame Your Failures as Learning Opportunities

When reflecting on your mistakes, focus on the lesson rather than the failure itself. Instead of seeing your experiences as setbacks, look at them as valuable teaching moments. Share with others how those failures shaped your growth, resilience, and decision-making process.

Example:
“I once launched a project that completely flopped because I didn’t understand my audience. But what I learned was invaluable: I realized the importance of research, communication, and feedback loops in every initiative I pursue.”

Reframe your failure in a positive light. Think about what went wrong and how it eventually contributed to your success. This shift in perspective will help others see the potential for growth in their own setbacks.

3. Share What You’d Do Differently

Often, the most valuable insights come from reflecting on what you would do differently. Sharing these insights allows others to avoid the same mistakes you made. By suggesting alternative approaches, you guide others in making better choices and taking smarter actions.

Example:
“When I was handling a difficult project, I was too focused on perfection, which slowed down progress. Now, I prioritize getting things done and iterating rather than waiting for everything to be flawless.”

Offer a “what-if” scenario—how would you have approached the situation with the knowledge you have now? This helps others learn from your experience and apply those lessons to their own challenges.

4. Encourage a Growth Mindset

Mistakes are inevitable, but they are not the end. When you talk about your failures, focus on how those experiences shaped your ability to persevere. Encourage others to view their own failures as stepping stones to personal and professional growth. A growth mindset transforms setbacks into valuable learning opportunities, fostering resilience and determination.

Example:
“I remember failing a crucial exam, and it hit me hard. But instead of giving up, I used it as motivation to study harder and smarter. That failure taught me to never underestimate the value of preparation.”

Highlight the importance of perseverance in your story. Show that failure doesn’t mean the end of the road—it’s simply a detour that leads to greater wisdom and understanding.

5. Turn Your Failures into Actionable Advice

To make your mistakes truly valuable to others, transform them into actionable advice. Don’t just explain what went wrong; help others figure out how to avoid or address similar issues in the future. Break down your experiences into clear, practical steps that can guide others when they face similar situations.

Example: “After I failed to meet a deadline, I implemented a new strategy of breaking projects into smaller, manageable tasks. I also set up reminders to keep me on track. This simple adjustment made a huge difference in my productivity and accountability.”

Whenever you share a lesson learned from a failure, provide step-by-step advice that others can implement right away. Practical advice makes your story more relatable and impactful.

6. Create a Safe Space for Others to Share

Teaching from your failures doesn’t just mean sharing your own lessons—it also involves fostering an environment where others feel comfortable sharing their experiences. By creating this space, you help others see that they are not alone in their struggles and that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process.

Encourage others to share their own mistakes and what they’ve learned. This creates a sense of community and mutual support where everyone can grow from each other’s experiences.

Final Thoughts

While it’s easy to admire others’ successes, there is something far more powerful in learning from their mistakes. By turning your failures into tools for others’ success, you give them a roadmap for navigating their own challenges with greater wisdom and resilience. Your story of failure can serve as both a warning and a guide, providing others with the tools they need to avoid the same pitfalls and ultimately reach their own version of success.

Failure is not the end—it’s a beginning. And by sharing those beginnings with others, you help them grow, evolve, and succeed in their own unique ways.

What mistakes or failures of yours can we all learn from?